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Candaras begins campaign

Candaras addresses the audience at Western New England College last Thursday. Candaras said she wants to strengthen what has been called "The Knowledge Corridor" the area extending from Hartford, Conn. to Amherst. Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs
By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD - Colleagues from the Legislature, civic leaders and law school classmates were among the hundred-plus supporters gathered at Western New England College (WNEC) on Thursday to kick off the state senate campaign of State Representative Gale Candaras.

Candaras is running for the seat currently occupied by Brian Lees for the First Hampden and Hampshire District.

Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, Urban League President Henry Thomas Attorney Phyllis Ryan, State Representative Lida Harkins of Needham and State Senator Marian Walsh of Boston all offered reasons why Candaras should succeed Lees after his 18-year tenure in the position.

Ashe said that Candaras has been in "office for the right reason to serve the public."

Candaras offered her own reasons, including her priorities if elected. A graduate of WNEC's School of Law, Candaras spoke of the impact of the area's colleges have on the local economy and said she wants to strengthen what has been called "The Knowledge Corridor" the area extending from Hartford, Conn. to Amherst.

She listed her activities on behalf of the city of Springfield and noted that she has "brought in millions of dollars for the rehabilitation of the Springfield Juvenile Court, for infrastructure and for additional lighting at Forest Park, the site of our national renown bright Nights exhibit. When the Spirit of Springfield, the sponsor of Bright Nights, the annual pancake breakfast and many other civic events had serious difficulties, I helped to restore its financial and corporate stability. I did not want Springfield to lose its best cheerleader during the toughest game of its life."

Candaras said she has a six-point program for the district.

"If elected to the Senate, I will dedicate myself: to improving our criminal justice system, reduce crime and protect the quality of life for all our citizens; to advancing our education system and to open doors for all; to working with business and government for the expansion of economic opportunities; to encouraging full and complete cooperation between city and urban residents for their mutual benefit; to advancing the interests of our vital institutions: our governments, colleges and universities, hospital and healthcare system; and to continuing to fight for a brighter future for Springfield and our area towns," she said.

City Council member Angelo Puppolo was also at the kick-off. He is running for the state representative position that Candaras is vacating and said he "would be honored to have her endorsement."